Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
The Flemish government agency for integration has announced the dismissal of 170 employees. According to the management the reason behind the sudden dismissals is the decrease in the number of asylum applications that have to be processed and the merger between several regional entities. The agency has been responsible for implementing integration policy in Flanders and helps local authorities with legal advice, translation / interpretation etc. It took on many new staff to deal with asylum applications in 2016 during the 'migrant crisis'.
The management states it will cooperate with the unions in order to provide the best outcome for the dismissed employees. Trade union representatives are surprised by the abrupt measure and have expressed their surprise at the number of dismissals. They state they will try to reduce the number of dismissals and will wait until more concrete financial data are known before planning actions.
CD&V warns that there could be an increase in waiting time for asylum seekers and contends that a large number of them are only beginning to find their way to the appropriate services.
Eurofound (2017), Agency For Integration, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 92206, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/92206.